Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is a white, powdered metal oxide. It is a ceramic, such as other general dental crown materials. Zirconia is produced from zirconium, a metal with similar properties to titanium. Zirconium is chemically un-reactive and it as well makes a good choice for the dental material.

Zirconia has several properties that enable it a good option for dental crown material. Some of these beneficial properties include:

High hardness.

A natural, white color.

Resistance to wear.

High fracture toughness (zirconia is difficult to crack).

Translucent appearance when sintered (baked).

Resistance to oxidation.

No chemical corrosion.

Based on these properties, zirconia provides several advantages to patients as a dental crown material. Zirconia crowns:

Look like natural tooth enamel because of their translucence and color.

Do not need a metal base.

Can be easily recolor, reshaped, and modified.

Do not need as much of the original tooth be removed as with other kinds of crowns.

Resist staining better than composite ceramic crowns or acrylic.

Are very durable. Zirconia is almost five times stronger than porcelain. Due to this, zirconia could be a better option for patients who have had issues with other crown material or who have issues with excessively chew their gums, grinding their teeth, bite their nails, etc.

Are biocompatible (they are secure to be in the mouth for a long time).

Resist cold and hot temperatures as well. Therefore, they lessen the incidence of hypersensitivity related to other kinds of crowns.

Another advantage of zirconia crowns is that dentists may produce them in their office. Because zirconia crowns are pulverized strictly from solid blocks of zirconia, they need less time, equipment, and materials to make them than other kinds of crowns, like composite ceramic (porcelain and other ceramic material fused to a metal base). Dentists, thus, may produce them in-house making them not to order the crowns from a dental lab. It is even feasible for dentists to create and fit zirconia crowns in a single day.

If an order must go via a dental laboratory, it will take some days or weeks before the finished crown gets to the dental office. During that period, the patient will have to put on a temporary crown. After the permanent crown arrives, the patient must then return to the dentist for a second appointment to fit the crown.

How Zirconia Crowns are Made

The procedure of making zirconia crowns is far less difficult than the procedure for composite ceramic crowns. It begins at the dental office. Firstly, the dentist makes an impression of a patient’s teeth. The dentist then forwards this impression to a laboratory, where a technician pours die into the impression to make a mold of the teeth. The technician then cuts the mold into segments and scans it utilizing a red light, laser, or blue-light technology. After that, they upload the scan into a computer system with CAD software that designs the crown. The crown can also be designed by a technician.

How Do You Care for Zirconia Crowns?

To care for your zirconia crowns, floss and brush every day like you usually would. Brush with an advanced toothbrush, which eliminates bacteria from teeth, gum, cheeks, and tongue.

Zirconia crowns may be a good alternative for numerous patients undergoing crown treatment, and great oral care habits may assist guarantee years of satisfaction and dental health for patients everywhere.